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Saint Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was the brother of James the Less, and very likely the cousin of Jesus Christ. As such, Jude enjoyed the company of Jesus and Mary, perhaps from childhood. As one of the twelve Apostles, Jude was a constant companion of Jesus during his public ministry. At the Last Supper, Jesus washed Jude's feet, invited him to partake of the Holy Eucharist, and ordained him to the ministerial priesthood. Saint Jude was present when the risen Christ appeared to the Twelve, as well as when Jesus ascended into heaven. Jude also gathered with the other Apostles on the first Pentecost, and was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Saint Jude the Apostle stands as one of the most powerful spiritual helpers among all the Christian saints, and a reflection of God's own compassionate love. His personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as well as his own personal martyrdom, have given him remarkable intercessory power, especially on behalf of those who are struggling with desperate circumstances or suffering great distress. Called the saint of the impossible, or the saint of hopeless cases, Saint Jude has brought hope to the hopeless, and comfort to those who were on the edge of despair.

This brief passage about Saint Jude is taken from an essay by Father Stephen Lynch, OFM. The complete essay is available as part of a recording available from the National Shrine of Saint Anthony and Saint Jude, entitled Saint Jude: Reflection and Novena. For more information about this recording, click here.

For information about the statue of St. Jude featured at the National Shrine of St. Anthony and St. Jude, click here.